Edo Gives Fmr. Deputy Gov Omobayo One Week Ultimatum To Return Govt Property

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has issued a one-week ultimatum to a former deputy governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Omobayo, to immediately return all government property and assets still in his possession.

Omobayo served as deputy to former Governor Godwin Obaseki after the impeachment of Philip Shaibu by the state House of Assembly.

Officials described Omobayo’s tenure as “brief and illegitimate,” a reference to the tumultuous political saga that saw him sworn in as deputy in April 2024 following the impeachment of his predecessor, Philip Shaibu.

That impeachment was later voided by a Federal High Court in Abuja, leading to prolonged legal battles over the legitimacy of Omobayo’s role, which extended into late 2024.

With Obaseki’s term which endied on November 12, 2024, and Okpebholo assuming office shortly thereafter, the new government has wasted no time in addressing lingering issues of public property.

According to the official statement from the state government, multiple formal reminders have gone unheeded, prompting this escalated response.

“The continued retention of such property by any individual constitutes a clear breach of public trust and an unlawful possession of state assets,” the release stated, emphasizing that all items acquired or utilized during public service belong unequivocally to the people of Edo State.

Omobayo, a former Labour Party chieftain who aligned with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, has been ordered to surrender the assets to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government within seven days from today.

Government, in a statement on Tuesday, pointed out that it observed with dismay that several official items, including vehicles, documents, and other State-owned assets assigned to Mr. Omobayo, during his brief tenure, are yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities, despite multiple formal reminders.

It stated that “The Edo State Government reiterates that all assets acquired or utilized in the course of public service remain the property of the State and must be duly returned upon cessation of office.

“The continued retention of such property by any individual constitutes a clear breach of public trust and an unlawful possession of state assets.

“Accordingly, Mr. Omobayo is hereby given a period of seven (7) days from the date of this release to comply fully by returning all government property under his custody to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

“Failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel the Government to direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure the immediate recovery of all State assets still in his possession through lawful means.

“The Edo State Government remains committed to accountability, due process, and the protection of public property.

“No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State.

“This administration, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, will continue to uphold the principles of transparency, discipline, and integrity in public service, ensuring that all public officers are held to the highest standards of responsibility and probity.

The Government urges Mr. Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that could invite consequences or further embarrassment.